Peruvian Slang Words and Phrases

al toque – right away, straight away. Bear in mind that “right away,” like mañana, could mean a few hours or a few weeks in Peruasado – angry, irritated. Literally “roast” or “roasting,” so a visual expression.causa — a close friendcostilla – girlfriend. Literally “rib,” a reference to the creation of Eve from Adam’s rib.charapa – the charapa (Podocnemis expansa) is a species of turtle found in the Peruvian Amazon region. The term charapa is used to refer to Peruvians from the jungle regions (generally derogatory, offensive if used in an aggressive or mocking manner).chibolero – a man who dates girls much younger than himself.churro — an attractive or handsome man.huachimán – watchman (from the English word). A huachimán in Peru is a private security guard, often one who patrols a specific street or block at night.jama — food (jamear — to eat).jato — house.pata – guy. Used informally to refer to almost anyone. If there is a possessive involved (such as “mi pata,” “tu pata”) it refers to a friend (“my friend,” “your friend”).por las puras – to do something for nothing, no reason, a waste of time.roche – shame. “Que roche!” (“What a shame!”)suzuki – dirty. A play on “sucio,” the Spanish word for dirty.